Skateboarding is a popular sport enjoyed across the world by a variety of people. There are many different types of boards, made with various types of wood and other materials. Here’s a look at some of the most common and best woods for skateboards, as well as some possible alternatives.
Best Wood For Skateboards
Maple:
The majority of skateboards are built using maple wood, as it is popular due to its high strength and lightweight. It provides an excellent foundation for professional-quality decks, which are typically made from multiple layers of wood that have been pressurized together with glue. While other woods might be used along with or in place of maple, it is the standard because of its durability and longevity.
Birch:
Birch provides the second most popular wood for skateboards, due to its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is generally affordable and can be easily stained or painted with either clear finishes or colored polyurethane coatings in any color desired.
Bamboo:
Bamboo is sometimes used for the bottom layer of skateboards since it is naturally light and provides a comfortable grip. Some skateboard manufacturers include bamboo in their boards by laminating two pieces together to form the core, while others might use it as part of an outer laminate that has finished graphics or other designs printed on it.
Cedar:
Many boarders who prefer a more traditional look select cedar as their wood of choice. Aesthetically, it has a very clean look that works well with almost any design scheme. However, the main drawback is its relatively low durability in comparison to maple or birch, making it more suited for light skateboarding rather than tricks and other aggressive moves.
Teak:
Teak is another traditional option that works well for a variety of styles. It has a natural golden color that darkens over time, adding a sense of character and charm to any skateboard. Teak is durable without comprising too much weight, making it another great wood option for those who enjoy cruising.
Mahogany:
A lightweight alternative, mahogany is resistant to water damage and is very easy to sand. It does not require much preparation before painting, although it does require multiple coats of stain for an even finish. For this reason, many boarders choose to leave it unfinished in order to absorb the oils from sweat while they skate that can add contrast and character over time.
Possible Alternatives
As far as other wood types are concerned, there are many options available. Some alternatives include bamboo, cork, balsa, and even plastic or composite materials. However, maple is the most popular choice because of its versatility and durability.
Skateboards can be made with a variety of different woods depending on what type of riding the user hopes to accomplish. Maple is the most popular choice because of its durability and weight. Other types include birch, cedar, teak, mahogany, and others which are available but not as common.
Making Skateboards with Alternative Woods
While there are many different types of wood that can be used to make skateboards, finding reliable sources of any type other than maple is difficult. Companies continue to experiment with new woods and grow them in sustainable ways, but they remain far more expensive than traditional methods of building boards. Fiberglass has also been used as an alternative to wood, but it’s heavy and doesn’t absorb shock as well.
The Future of Skateboarding
Skateboard companies are always looking for new ways to build boards that have the strength and durability of maple without its high cost. By 2020, they may find other woods or materials that will provide long-lasting decks at a price that’s comparable to maple.
Even if the wood isn’t used, new ways will be developed to manufacture skateboards that are of higher quality than what is currently on the market. Until then, all skaters will continue to use maple decks, whether they’re building their own boards or buying them commercially.
How Thick Should A Skateboard Be?
Thickness is an important factor in finding the right skateboard deck. The thickness of a standard skateboard range from 7-10″. A common misconception in the skating world is that thicker boards are “better” or more durable, but this isn’t always the case!
Thickness is one of the most important things when it comes to finding the appropriate deck for you.
The thickness of a skateboard essentially is how wide the deck is from front to back, with 7″ being the smallest and 10″ being the largest. A common misconception in the skating world is that thicker boards are “better,” but this isn’t always true.
Understanding The Concave Of A Board
Before you can start to ride a skateboard, you first need to know how it works. Not only do you need to understand the different parts of the board & what they do, but also how they work together. The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of why boards are concave and give examples of what concave does for riders.
Background: What Is Concave?
The concave of the board is the curvature of the wood. The more concave a board has, the deeper it is and the better it’ll hold your feet in place when you’re riding it. You might see people adding grip tape to their boards for this specific reason; to add more concave to their board (and more grip).
What Does Concave Do?
Concave is better for your feet. It provides a deeper fit, which means less slippage & unwanted movements with your feet. The steeper the concave, the better it holds your feet in place. The shallowest concaves are found on beginner/entry-level boards.
What About Flat Boards?
Flat boards are also sometimes referred to as “no-concave” boards. Ride flat boards if you’re just starting out, but don’t get stuck on them forever since they won’t be too comfortable for longboarding. Eventually, you’ll want to upgrade to more of a concave for faster riding and added control.
What Type Of Concave Is Best?
Sharp concaves are usually not as comfortable as well-rounded, medium concaves. Sharp concaves aren’t comfortable and may feel a little to awkward to some riders without grip tape adding more comfort & control. Medium concave, however, will work just fine for most riders.
Why Is The Concave Sharp At The Nose & Tail?
There are a few reasons why the concave forms to form this way towards the ends of the board. The main reason is that it gives you more leverage when carving, especially at high speeds. It’s also easier to press into a sharp concave since your foot is already in the proper position.
What About Flat Boards?
Flat boards are also sometimes referred to as “no-concave” boards. Ride flat boards if you’re just starting out, but don’t get stuck on them forever since they won’t be too comfortable for longboarding. Eventually, you’ll want to upgrade to more concave for faster riding and added control.
Concave is important because it provides a deeper fit, which means less slippage & unwanted movements with your feet. The steeper the concave, the better it holds your feet in place. Sharp concaves are usually not as comfortable as well-rounded, medium concaves.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a skateboard, your best bet is to go with a board that has the right amount of concave. A great example of this would be our Top Fin Skateboards. With their perfect blend of high-quality materials and expertly designed shapes, these boards are sure to provide you with hours upon hours worth of skating fun! What type of concave do they have? You’ll find that each board in our selection offers its own unique shape which will change how well it handles when rolling down hills or across ramps. It’s important to consider what sort of riding experience you’re looking for before making your final decision on which board might work best for you.